PLU Alumni Travel Seminar Namibia 2020

Through a collaborative effort of the Office of Alumni and the Wang Center for Global and Community Engaged Education, PLU is now offering opportunities for study away-like programs to PLU alumni and friends.

Due to COVID-19, there is no PLU alumni international travel being offered during the 20-21 academic year.

LOCATION: North and Central Namibia

TRAVEL DATES: Cancelled

Total fee for 12 day/12 night Namibian excursion*: 2020 fee was $3,980/small increase may be added for 2021
(non-refundable deposit $750)
Does not include airfare.

Total fee for 12 day/12 night Namibian excursion and 3 day/3 night Sossusvlei extension*: 2020 fee was $4,730/small increase may be added for 2021
(non-refundable deposit: $1,000)
Does not include airfare.

Non-refundable deposit due at the time of registration will secure your trip.

*Payments are to be made in three installments leading up to the program’s departure.

Includes:
All accommodations based on double occupancy, breakfast and most dinners, all park entrance fees, all guides, ground transportation during the program and associated tips

The name ‘Namib’ translates as “vast place”, which is apt given that Namibia is one of the least crowded, expansive destinations on the planet. With only 2.2 million inhabitants, it is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, exceeded only by Mongolia. Known as the land of endless horizons, the sweeping distances and epic landscapes of this country will leave you feeling insanely small and insignificant, and carefree and in absolute awe at every turn.

This program will focus on the people, places and the prosperity of Namibia. You will learn about the history of Namibia and how that history has impacted the economy, education and politics. You’ll have opportunities to visit various cultural tribes and experience their traditions and languages. During the tour you will experience the amazing and varied landscapes, see wild animals both in their natural habitat and in conservancies. You will see how this young democracy has developed one of the world’s finest animal conservation efforts through a focus on human/animal cohabitation and interrelationships.

Experiences will include: a tour of the capital, Windhoek, and surrounding townships; visits to the land of the Himba, Damara, Owambo and San people, and; several days of game driving in the National Park, Etosha. An optional three-day tour will be to Sossesvlei where you can experience the tallest dunes in the world and see more stars and planets than you thought possible. It is the most photographed site in Namibia

• how Namibia’s history has impacted it economic, social, educational progress
• how the move from a Bantu education to an Education for All approach has impacted the accessibility and quality of education in Namibia
• how conservancy efforts have protected and increased the population of animals whose numbers are dwindling in other African countries (cheetah, rhino, desert elephant, etc.), and how local people have learned to live alongside these animals and still maintain their farms
• how a variety of cultures have maintained their unique traditions and languages yet blend and thrive together to promote national unity
• how Namibia’s unique ecosystems, which are vast, diverse and beautiful, contribute to the economy and development of the country

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